OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the arthroscopic procedure on the patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation.

METHODSFrom January 2001 to March 2006,52 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation were treated by arthroscopy. Among them 44 patients were followed up for 12 to 54 months(on average of 26 months). The data of the 44 patients was reviewed. Three evaluation systems, University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Scores (UCLA), Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and Dawson, were used. The study evaluated the effect based on the Dawson system by the factors as: age, course of the disease, frequency of dislocation and relocation methods and the range of shoulder movement.

RESULTSThe ratio of recurrent dislocation after operation was 4.5%. Assessing through 3 evaluation systems, UCLA, SST and Dawson, results were similar: the follow-up evaluation were extraordinarily different from preoperative assessment, and the rating of good or excellent at the time of the final follow-up reached 91% higher. Based on the Dawson system, the evaluation results had no statistic diversity according to such factors as: age, course of the disease, frequency of dislocation and relocation methods.

CONCLUSIONSThe effects of arthroscopic surgery to the recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation are satisfied and evidence-proved. It is a good option for both common patients and athletes.